This time last year I was patiently awaiting the arrival of Connie (although we didn’t know she’d be Connie yet) and I saw all the information about “World Breastfeeding Week” and I was so excited to be part of it this year! It was so important to me that I breastfed my baby, amongst other things I knew it was likely that like me they would have a dairy intolerance but more than that, I had read about all the benefits of breastfeeding to both baby and mum and I wanted to provide the best start possible.

I thought to celebrate this I’d talk about a few things that have helped me along the way.

A lovely nursing bra

Modelling with Connie

Underwear is very important to me, especially pretty underwear. Looking at maternity bras depressed me like crazy, they were all frumpy and uncomfortable, I mostly shop online and I sent back four bras which came with amazing reviews as I just couldn’t wear them! I went into Sheer Bliss my local lingerie store in Knaresborough and Jayne who can measure just by looking at you introduced me to Royce nursing bras. Beautiful, functional bras that made me feel pretty and comfortable whilst I was pregnant and has helped me feel sexy when I’ve wanted to as well! I had the pleasure of modelling for Jayne in an all inclusive fashion show too, so much pretty!

I could not have prepared myself for a second for how quickly my nipples became incredibly sore from breastfeeding. Thankfully the midwife who did Connie’s day one check up gave me a sample of this cream and I ordered a tube to use once that ran out. Its made of 100% lambs wool lanolin so it’s completely natural which I love and it really does work!

We bought reusable nappies for Connie and I noticed these whilst we were browsing the Little Lamb website. They are literally like a little hug for your boobs! Which may sound a little weird but I will admit with the way my boobs felt in the first few weeks they needed more than a little hug to keep them going! n.b. when washing these be sure to use the handy little bag they come with….or they might get stuck in the washing machine.

I read this book a few weeks before Connie was born and it mentally prepared me for what to expect in the first few day, weeks and months of breastfeeding. Its a really practical guide which breaks down what baby needs and how to provide it (basically all the time, anytime!) to ensure best milk production and a happy baby. The main thing I learnt was there was no need to time between feeds, sometimes baby wants to feed every hour, sometimes it feels like they constantly feed and other times they sleep for four hours and your boobs feel like they might explode (I had soft warm flannels for these occasions as it was the only thing that helped!)

When Connie’s teeth finally appeared at about eight months old it coincided with my milk supply dipping which I think was caused by a combination of a large amount of dental work with local anaesthetic which knocked me for six and also my period. Anyway, Connie decided that she’d try out her new teeth on my nipples and I was in agony! I came across Boo.bsmoothie and they arrived next day in the post and I noticed a difference just a few hours after one smoothie! Thankfully once my supply picked back up with some gentle coaxing Connie has for the most part stopped biting too. I use the smoothies each month around my period and also in between as they are delicious! What better excuse for a mid morning pick me up than something which also helps boost milk supply?

These are all my opinions and not sponsored by the people who make these products – I just like to share what I love! Keep Milking mamas!

Amazing tips! And I love the photo of you all, I want one like this with my friends and I 😁 the Lansinoh nipple cream saved my life! Next time around I’m going to try out boob smoothie as I definitely could’ve used this. Thanks for sharing with #StayClassyMama!